State Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) – co-chair with Senator Mike Testa (R-1) of the Trump Reelection Campaign in New Jersey – this evening welcomed U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (D-1) with open arms to the Republican Party.

“I have known Congressman Van Drew for two decades,” Pennacchio said.

“Our terms in the legislature paralleled each other in the Assembly and in the State Senate. Both of us previously chose Dentistry as our profession. We served on many of the same committees,” he added. “We also shared the fact that we both were initially Democrats but now are part of the Grand Old Republican Party. Both of us realized that The Democrat Party Of John Kennedy is no more. In Congressman Van Drew’s case that realization was most recently made. My awakening happened 40 years ago. Weaponizing  impeachment, open borders, Medicare for all and the emergence of an unapologetic march towards socialism has opened up the eyes of many who have
traditionally called themselves Democrats.

“I welcome Congressman Van Drew into our Large political tent,” the senator from Morris added. “I encourage other Democrats to follow suit.”